Philosophy 2

This course is an introduction to moral and political philosophy. We will
consider a range of ethical issues regarding individual conduct as well as
social arrangements, policies, and practices. We will begin by considering
whether there are objective ethical truths, examining several arguments
for the view that ethics is not objective as well as responses to those
arguments. Next we will consider what, if anything, well-off individuals
are obligated to do to aid the very poor. We will then examine the ethics
of meat consumption, abortion, and euthanasia. Next we will look at two
influential views of distributive justice, and consider whether equality
is a moral ideal that we should endorse and seek to achieve. We will then
examine the ethics of affirmative action, and the issues of free speech,
tolerance, and multiculturalism. We will conclude by considering some
ethical issues regarding war and terrorism.